Kyoto, Japan: Transportation in Japan
Transportation in Japan is very accessible. Currently in Kyoto, walking is the mode of transportation from the hotel to Doshisha University, where classes are held. It is about a 10 to 15 minute walk. To get to various other locations that are a bit further, buses and the subway are used.
The public transportation in Japan is very punctual. You can expect your bus or train to arrive at the listed time, which is very reliable. When taking the bus or train during rush hour, it can get pretty packed like the subways in Boston. Same can be said about the buses. The subway trains seem to be well maintained and are very quiet, unlike some of the trains in Boston.
The Japanese have a respect for elders, and that can be seen in the buses and trains. There are designated seats or a section dedicated to the elders or disabled. If seated in one of these sections, it is common manner to give up your seat to those in need. Even if you’re not seated in one of these sections, and if the train is full, it is also just polite and respectful to give your seat up and people do so willingly.
Additionally, subway stations are efficient. What I mean by this is that the process of people going into the station and coming out. In Boston at least, you either tap your Charlie card or insert a ticket, and then a gate opens to enter the subway platform. However, in Japan, the gates are left open. The gate only ever closes if you try to enter without entering in your ticket or tapping your card. This speeds up the process of incoming and outgoing people as there is no waiting time for the gate to open and close for each guest. Moreover, when you enter the subway, your ticket is returned to you as it is needed to exit the destination station. The price of a ticket is calculated by the travel distance from the starting destination to the final destination. Therefore, the ticket needs to be kept, and then returned to exit the station. This method also ensures that if you enter the wrong gate and want to exit, you wouldn’t be charged since no distance was covered.
